Champions League: Liverpool exit unfair, says Porto's Conceicao

Liverpool won its Champions League quarterfinal 6-1, on aggregate, but FC Porto coach Sergio Conceicao felt the tie was tighter than the scoreline.

Published : Apr 18, 2019 14:13 IST

FC Porto head coach Sergio Conceicao says his side did not deserve to lose its Champions League quarterfinal 6-1 on aggregate to Liverpool.

After a 2-0 first-leg defeat at Anfield, Porto was beaten 4-1 at home on Wednesday as the Reds booked a last-four clash with Barcelona.

Porto started well in the second leg but failed to make the breakthrough, with Sadio Mane opening the scoring with a goal that survived a VAR check for offside.

Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Virgil van Dijk were then also on target for Liverpool, with Porto only able to muster a goal from Real Madrid-bound defender Eder Militao in reply.

Jurgen Klopp's side was clinical in knocking Porto out for the second year in a row but Conceicao did not feel a 6-1 aggregate scoreline was a fair reflection of the quarterfinal.

READ | Klopp hails 'special' side in semifinals progression

"Liverpool only had four shots on goal and scored four goals, which demonstrates the quality of their team," Conceicao told a news conference.

"I think it is unfair. We deserved more, the fans deserved more, but we gave a very positive image of Portuguese football. 

"We did not deserve to come away from Anfield with a two-goal difference. Today we knew it was possible, we prepared a strategy that I think was appropriate, and at first we did well at all levels.

"The one time our opponents entered our penalty area, it was a goal. The strength coming from the stands made me shiver. We have played our part in Europe.

"My players were fantastic. Our Champions League campaign was fantastic. Liverpool are a very strong team."

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